London is a world capital, and that includes being a world capital of the
performing arts. When the sun goes down, the curtain comes up.
Theater
For many visitors, going to the theater is reason enough to go to
London. When actors of the highest caliber are on the boards — as
they always are in London — you don’t need to think twice about
going to the theater; you just go. The London theater scene is phenomenal,
and prices are lower than in New York. Take your pick:long-running international-hit musicals, light comedies, hard-hitting
dramas, new works in “fringe” venues, everything from William
Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde to Neil LaBute, the modern musicals and beyond.
Opera
Opera buffs appreciate the fact that London has two major opera companies. International stars appear at the historic Royal Opera in Covent Garden, where operas are performed in their original languages. A few blocks away is the English National Opera, where every opera is sung in English by mostly British performers and the productions tend to be more adventuresome.Classical music
Every night, lovers of classical music have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. London is home to several world-class symphony orchestras. The London Symphony Orchestra plays at the Barbican Center, where good seats cost as little as £15. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Cadogan Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. The newly refurbished Royal Festival Hall is home to four resident orchestras: the London Philharmonic, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the London Sinfonietta, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Other renowned U.K. and European orchestras perform regularly in the city, as do internationally known chamber music ensembles. A summer highlight is the Proms concerts at Royal Albert Hall, featuring an international roster of the best orchestras and soloists in the world.Ballet
Dance aficionados can enjoy an evening at the Royal Ballet and/or the English National Ballet, both of which have regular London seasons. Smaller dance companies, from traditional to cutting edge, are at home in venues throughout the city.See also: The Best Museum of London
